Astra A-80 Gun Review: USCCA Gun Vault

Published on January 19, 2018
Duration: 4:12

This review of the Astra A-80 highlights its Sig Sauer-like aesthetics and operation, but notes the European-style heel magazine release. It's an all-steel, heavy pistol with a 3.8-inch barrel, available in 9mm, .45 ACP, and .38 Super. The A-80 is praised for its reliability and value on the secondary market, though magazine availability can be a challenge. Disassembly is straightforward, similar to a Glock.

Quick Summary

The Astra A-80 is a Spanish-made, all-steel pistol resembling Sig Sauer firearms, featuring a double/single-action mechanism and a European-style heel magazine release. Available in 9mm, .45 ACP, and .38 Super, it offers excellent reliability and value on the used market, typically costing $250-$350, making it a good home defense option.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Astra A-80
  2. 00:10Astra A-80 Overview & Sig Sauer Comparison
  3. 00:23European Magazine Release Explained
  4. 00:36Astra A-80 Specifications (Barrel, Weight)
  5. 00:47Value and Secondary Market Pricing
  6. 00:55Historical Adoption (Spanish Police, Lebanese Military)
  7. 01:02Personal Reliability Experience
  8. 01:18Calibers Available (.45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super)
  9. 01:30Challenge: Spare Magazine Availability
  10. 01:43Astra A-90 Variant and Magazine Interchangeability
  11. 01:57Magazine Capacity (9mm vs .45 ACP)
  12. 02:09Carry Comfort vs. Hand Comfort
  13. 02:15Recommendation for Used Market Buyers
  14. 02:24Dealing with European Mag Release
  15. 02:28Ideal Use Cases (Home Defense)
  16. 02:33Comfort and Shootability
  17. 02:38Overall Value Proposition
  18. 02:42Manual of Arms vs. Sig Sauer
  19. 02:44Ease of Disassembly
  20. 02:54Step-by-Step Field Stripping
  21. 03:09Barrel Mechanism (Tilting, No Link)
  22. 03:17Lubrication and Reassembly
  23. 03:30Function Check
  24. 03:35Final Recommendation
  25. 03:44Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Astra A-80 and how does it compare to Sig Sauer pistols?

The Astra A-80 is a Spanish-made semi-automatic pistol that closely resembles Sig Sauer firearms in its design and operation. It features a similar decocker and a double-action/single-action trigger mechanism, making it familiar to Sig Sauer users.

What are the key features and specifications of the Astra A-80?

The Astra A-80 has an all-steel construction, a 3.8-inch barrel, and weighs 34 ounces unloaded. It was produced in 9mm, .45 ACP, and .38 Super calibers, with magazine capacities of 15 rounds for 9mm and 9+1 for .45 ACP.

What is unique about the Astra A-80's magazine release?

The Astra A-80 features a European-style magazine release located at the heel of the grip. This requires the user to press a latch and manually pull the magazine out, as it does not drop free from the firearm.

Is the Astra A-80 a good value on the used market?

Yes, the Astra A-80 is considered a great value on the secondary market, typically selling for $250 to $350. It's praised for its reliability and durability, making it a solid choice for those seeking an affordable firearm.

How easy is it to disassemble and clean the Astra A-80?

The Astra A-80 is designed for simple maintenance. Field stripping is straightforward, involving locking the slide, flipping a disassembly latch, and separating the main components, similar to a Glock pistol.

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